Tasting Notes: Raise the Roost, Portland Brewing

Spring seasonal beers are here and Portland Brewing Co. is jumping into the mix with Raise the Roost, a new Belgian-Style Red Ale. I just tasted it (sample sent by the brewery), enjoyed it, and wanted to highlight it for a few reasons.

First, if you're not familiar with Belgian-style ales, this is a very approachable entry. Belgian-style beers tend to have fruity and spicy characteristics, which are produced by the yeast. The aromas and flavors are distinctive and unique to Beligan-style ales.

Second, this beer is quite a value. In the Portland area, you can find bombers for the low price of $2 - $3. It's also available in six packs of 12 oz. bottles. That said, here are my tasting notes:

Amber in color, with an off-white head that dissipates slowly. The trademark spicy notes of clove and pepper (typical in Belgian style ales) immediately pop in the aroma. The taste starts with caramel and nutty notes. The spices revisit again in both the middle and finish. While much of the spice is produced by the Belgian yeast strain, I also expect the hops are contributing some of the spicy characteristics. It's crisp, dry, and light bodied, and has a touch of alcohol present in the middle.

If you like Belgian-style ales, or are new to them, I highly recommend you give Raise the Roost a try. It's a solid beer, and a great change of pace from the plethora of pedestrian IPAs that we've seen of late.

PORTLAND, Ore. — For Portland Brewing, a new year means a new beer, and if Raise the Roost is any indication, 2016 is sure to excite. Brewed with a special strain of Belgian yeast, this Belgian-style Red Ale is a unique take on the traditionally popular springtime beer. You don’t have to wait until spring to enjoy the new brew — Raise the Roost debuts mid-January.

Head brewer, Ryan Pappe is no stranger to brewing Belgian ales, and while he and his team continue to use the same Belgian yeast strain that results in strong notes of fruit and spice, the brewery’s newest creation offers a distinct take on this classic style. “We love how vigorous that yeast is and the intense fruity taste it brings to any beer it ferments. To take a new direction, we focused on trying to bring a full maltiness to Raise the Roost,” says Pappe. “Knowing there are some great malts that really emphasize sweetness and body, that also bring hues of red, we chose to craft our own version of a Belgian Red Ale.”

Look for Raise the Roost Belgian-style Red Ale in Oregon and Washington stores and bottle shops between January and March. You’ll find it in 22oz. bombers, 12oz. 6-packs, and of course, on draft at Portland Brewing’s taproom and select Portland-area bars and restaurants. Raise a glass and rule the roost!

About Portland Brewing Company

Celebrating thirty years of passionate brewing in the Rose City, Portland Brewing looks ahead to a future of unwavering obsession over what our civilized world simply can’t live without: great beer. Founded in 1986, the brewery is one of Portland’s craft brewing pioneers and remains committed to the city for which it is named. Portland Brewing is located at 2730 NW 31st Ave., Portland, OR 97210.